Hope Chicago, the innovative two-generation scholarship program providing college and vocational scholarships to Chicago Public School students and their parents, has announced formal partnerships with 23 Illinois-based colleges and universities to support its inaugural Fall 2022 Hope Scholar cohort.
The 23 in-network institutions include all public 4-year colleges and universities in Illinois, all City Colleges of Chicago, as well as 4 private institutions. Together, these options offer Hope Scholars a broad range of educational programs, career opportunities, and geographic choices across Illinois for their postsecondary experience.
The partnerships between Hope Chicago and in-network institutions formalize the suite of comprehensive support that Hope Scholars will receive throughout their higher education journey. Hope Chicago’s scholarships, alongside additional financial assistance that partners have committed toward Hope Scholars, will provide the funding to pursue post-secondary education, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, a laptop or other academic materials, and an annual stipend.
In addition, Hope Scholars at in-network institutions will receive non-financial support to help them complete their studies. These supports include programming to help graduating seniors prepare for and adjust to postsecondary life, with academic, social-emotional, and career exploration. Each partner will also designate a single point of contact for Hope Scholars to help them navigate the collegiate environment, encourage placement in campus programs, and connect them to academic, financial, and career advising. Taken together, this support will increase Hope Scholars’ likelihood of staying on track to graduate.
“The transition for any scholar into a new postsecondary setting is a critical moment in time. That’s why we have developed such deep relationships with our partner colleges and universities that ensure a bridge of support ahead of high school graduation for our first cohort of Hope Scholars enrolling this fall.” shares Hope Chicago’s Chief Program Officer, Michele Howard.
“We’re not satisfied merely providing access to higher education; instead, we are focused on ensuring students complete their degree or vocational program. That critical work requires collaboration and partnership with higher education institutions,” adds Hope Chicago’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Janice Jackson. “A college degree is the most powerful tool our students can use to maximize their career opportunities, and we’re thrilled at the energy and enthusiasm from both our in-network partners and our Hope families.”
Hope Chicago Inaugural In-Network Partners:
- Arrupe College
- Chicago State University
- Eastern Illinois University
- Governors State University
- Harold Washington College
- Harry S. Truman College
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Illinois State University
- Kennedy-King College
- Loyola University Chicago
- Malcom X College
- National Louis University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Northern Illinois University
- Olive-Harvey College
- Richard J. Daley College
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- University of Illinois Chicago
- University of Illinois Springfield
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Western Illinois University
- Wilbur Wright College
Hope Scholars who attend out-of-network colleges are still eligible to receive up to $1,000 per semester toward their tuition. Hope Chicago also provides scholarships to Hope Scholars interested in pursuing vocational education or training, and partnerships with qualifying programs are currently being established, as well.
For more on Hope Chicago, visit hopechicago.org or contact press@hopechicago.org or 312-477-3170.
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